This Day-9 devotion is adapted from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones sermon "Looking at the Waves”

Looking at the Waves

The account of Peter walking on water provides one of Scripture's most vivid illustrations of how spiritual depression develops. Initially, Peter demonstrates remarkable faith—stepping out of the boat while the other disciples remain behind. For a brief, glorious moment, he experiences the miracle of walking on water toward Jesus.

Then something changes: "But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me'" (Matthew 14:30). The critical shift wasn't in Peter's circumstances—the wind and waves had been there all along. The shift was in his focus. He looked away from Jesus and toward the threatening environment.

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones identified this pattern in many cases of spiritual depression. Believers start well, focusing on Christ and experiencing His power. But gradually, their attention shifts to their circumstances—health problems, financial pressures, relational conflicts, or world events. Like Peter, they begin to sink into despair.

Jesus' response is telling: "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31). Notice that Jesus doesn't calm the storm first—He reaches out His hand to Peter. The circumstances remain unchanged, but Peter's connection to Christ is restored.

Lloyd-Jones emphasized that faith isn't a one-time decision but an ongoing practice. Peter couldn't walk on water based on his initial faith alone; he needed to maintain that faith with each step. Similarly, we can't live on yesterday's spiritual victories. Faith must be exercised anew in today's challenges.

The solution isn't denying the reality of life's storms. Peter's problem wasn't acknowledging the wind but allowing it to become more real to him than Christ's presence. When we magnify our problems and minimize our Savior, spiritual depression inevitably follows.

Today, if you're sinking in despair, examine where your focus has shifted. Are you looking more at the waves than at the Wave-walker? Remember that the same Christ who called Peter out of the boat calls you to walk with Him above your circumstances—not by pretending they don't exist, but by focusing on the One who transcends them.